"Brazilian scale" is a potential biocontrol agent for strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum). "Brazilian scale" is a potential biocontrol agent for strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum). Tectococcus ovatus is not known to occur in Hawaii (as of 08 October 2005). Tectococcusovatus is native to Brazil(?).

Controversy flares over proposal to control waiawi [strawberry guava] with scale insect
"The proposed release of a scale insect to control strawberry guava, or waiawi (Psidium cattleianum), has sparked an outcry of opposition among some sectors of the public. Yet, although the opposition means a delay in the scheduled release, the scientists most closely involved with the project say they welcome the development as an opportunity to educate the public about what they do and the ways in which their plan can work to the state's benefit."

Fact and fiction about waiawi [strawberry guava] control
"Opponents of the planned introduction of a biocontrol agent for strawberry guava have raised several arguments. Here are the top concerns, along with the responses from scientists with the Forest Service, the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and others...."

Species description or overview

Taxonomy & nomenclature

Tectococcus ovatus information from ITIS
The Integrated Taxonomic Information System ITIS provides authoritative taxonomic information on Tectococcus ovatus, as well as other plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

Insect release proposed to control exotic strawberry guava
"U.S. Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have submitted a proposal to release a Brazilian insect to control the spread of strawberry guava, a South American tree that has invaded and degraded native Hawaiían ecosystems since it was introduced in 1825 as a garden plant."

Bugs could slow strawberry guava
"Bugs could slow strawberry guava" discusses the possibility of releasing a biocontrol agent (Tectococcus ovatus) in Hawaii to slow the spread of the invasive strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum). Strawberry guava trees threaten the existence of many native ecosystems in Hawaii.

Biological control of strawberry guava in Hawaii
Information about strawberry guava, the threat it poses to native forests, and the proposal to manage the invasive tree using biological control are presented by the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Insect released proposed to control exotic strawberry guava
"U.S. Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have submitted a proposal to release a Brazilian insect to control the spread of strawberry guava, a South American tree that has invaded and degraded native Hawaiian ecosystems since it was introduced in 1825 as a garden plant."

Ecology of invasive plant species; their impacts on ecosystems of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands; and their biological control agents
The objectives of the project described here are to (1) increase understanding of invasive plants on native forest ecosystems of Hawaii; (2) develop understanding of biological agents released for invasive weed control; (3) develop biological control agents; (4) increase information on distribution of invasive species; (5) increase information on invasiveness of commonly used plants; (6) increase awareness of the hazards in using invasive plants in landscaping; and (7) increase abilities of agencies to prevent and manage invasive species.

Images

Insect released proposed to control exotic strawberry guava
"U.S. Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have submitted a proposal to release a Brazilian insect to control the spread of strawberry guava, a South American tree that has invaded and degraded native Hawaiian ecosystems since it was introduced in 1825 as a garden plant."

In the news

Tree plan introduces bugs
Hawaii Department of Agriculture is again seeking approval to release a Brazilian scale insect into Hawaii forests to control the spread of the popular but environmentally destructive strawberry guava tree (Star-Advertiser, 6/23/2010).

Strawberry guava biocontrol possible
The proposal to release a scale insect as a biocontrol for strawberry guava in Hawaii is discussed in the Raising Islands blog by Jan TenBruggencate (7/12/2008).

Strawberry guava biocontrol possible
The proposal to release a scale insect as a biocontrol for strawberry guava in Hawaii is discussed in the Raising Islands blog by Jan TenBruggencate (7/12/2008).

Controversy flares over proposal to control waiawi [strawberry guava] with scale insect
"The proposed release of a scale insect to control strawberry guava, or waiawi (Psidium cattleianum), has sparked an outcry of opposition among some sectors of the public. Yet, although the opposition means a delay in the scheduled release, the scientists most closely involved with the project say they welcome the development as an opportunity to educate the public about what they do and the ways in which their plan can work to the state's benefit."

Fact and fiction about waiawi [strawberry guava] control
"Opponents of the planned introduction of a biocontrol agent for strawberry guava have raised several arguments. Here are the top concerns, along with the responses from scientists with the Forest Service, the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and others...."

Insect release proposed to control exotic strawberry guava
"U.S. Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have submitted a proposal to release a Brazilian insect to control the spread of strawberry guava, a South American tree that has invaded and degraded native Hawaiían ecosystems since it was introduced in 1825 as a garden plant."

Bugs could slow strawberry guava
"Bugs could slow strawberry guava" discusses the possibility of releasing a biocontrol agent (Tectococcus ovatus) in Hawaii to slow the spread of the invasive strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum). Strawberry guava trees threaten the existence of many native ecosystems in Hawaii.

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